A former convict whose life used to be indulged in violence is now spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ, as he launches a new evangelism tool this month called The Glory Story.
The double DVD is an animated, panoramic overview of the whole Bible, from Genesis to Revelation.
Regarding the new project, John Affleck talks about his past experience as a troubled young man.
“I was 21 and given to violent outbursts,” admits John, who was in prison for affray and assault on the police. “There was no bed, no blankets, nothing but a pot, a block of wood to sit on - and a Bible.”
He threw the book down in frustration – but at that low point the seeds of a new project were planted.
“I tried to read the Bible several times, but it was impossible. I swore in annoyance. Looking back, I think someone understood my frustration,” recalls the 47-year-old ruefully.
“I became a Christian 13 years after that experience in prison and soon realised there was nothing available that guides you through the stories of the Bible in a simple way,” he explains.
The Glory Story, which runs for just under two hours, attempts to do just that– featuring the work of illustrator Leonard Doust and musician Chris Wickland.
“All the stories connect, so historically and chronologically they make perfect sense,” says John, who lives in Southampton. “The Glory Story, which is also available as a series of still pictures and text, can be presented on a laptop, a pc or through a data projector. It is ideal for use in educational institutions, Sunday Schools and of course, the home.”
By the age of 25, John had become a salesman in the home improvements industry. He was so successful he had some 50 salesmen working under him and owned three Rolls Royces and other exclusive cars.
“But that violent nature was always bubbling under,” he admits. “I ended up totally skint. After a spell in prison for an incident in a night club, I pushed the self-destruct button.”
During a fight, his main arteries were severed – “if it had not been for two nuns, I would have bled to death, according to the police. Several months later I called out to God: ‘To hell with it, I am giving my life to…’ I just got out the ‘J...’ of Jesus, when God met me. Ever since that day I have had a burning passion to tell the whole world about Jesus Christ.”
Since his conversion, John has used inventive ways to reach local communities with a number of intriguing Bible-based board games – including the Fall of Man and Salvation Challenge.
With The Glory Story, John aims to reach people who know absolutely nothing about the Bible but have a desire to learn.
“It is also a great tool for people who have been taught the Bible in little bits,” he explains. “The Glory Story pulls it all together. In terms of Bible teaching, it is fresh and exciting – and a good fisherman always uses fresh bait!”